When a student enters my studio, he or she will receive a complete booklet of materials that is specifically designed for their individual needs. The materials cover all aspects of improving their playing skills, including, basic, fundamental exercises designed to reinforce and develop the best possible tone quality, efficiency in tone production, flexibility, resonance, hearing intervals, technical skills, competency in reading and playing in all key signatures, and all aspects physical and non-physical that are part of being a musician and making music.

Emphasis is always placed on achieving the most resonant and characteristic sound for the instrument.

Older students have two significant opportunities to advance as a musician. These opportunities include skill development by working with the TMEA All-State études, TMEA All-Region études for middle school students, and an appropriately selected solo to perform in the spring. Both of these events represent a major focus of instruction in our studio.  My interest in the young player, specifically the beginning trumpet student, holds equal importance to me and I have experienced a high level of achievement with my beginning students over the years.

As an educator in ensemble concepts, my mentors have been Richard Floyd, Eldon Janzen, James Keene, Eddie Green, and Brian Merrill.

As an educator in trumpet performance, I have worked or studied with Robert Bright, Tom Boothe, Bob Walp, and Ryan Anthony.